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aaaaalyssia's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to give it 5 stars but it dragged a little too much at the end. But otherwise it was all I wanted from a fantasy standalone I could ever want. I picked it up based mostly on the cover and I'm so glad I did!
mrsjenniferwheeler's review against another edition
5.0
I love SD's style. Years ago I read, and loved, both her Axle, and Wayfarer Redemption series. I had forgotten SD amidst other authors/books I have since read, and was delighted to stumble across this novel by happenstance. I will now endeavor to purchase the rest of her works, even though I already have many books on my TBR shelf awaiting my attention, lol.
shanireads's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such an amazing tale and so close to being one of my favorites if it wasn't for that ending.
juulna's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic and immersive. Amazing storyteller. Definitely surprised me; not what I expected when I started to read. Not even what I expected when I was halfway through it. I love books that throw me a curveball. I have always enjoyed Douglass' work and this made it that much better.
lsneal's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe 2.5 stars. Some interesting story elements, but a little thin on the plotting and a little obvious with the "I am now explaining to you how life was in the 12th century" stuff.
michelle_e_goldsmith's review
4.0
A longer more detailed version of this review is availiable at The Ranting Dragon
‘The Devil’s Diadem’, by popular Australian author and historian, Sara Douglass, is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate mid-twelfth century England. The narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work as she hears rumour of a demonic plague sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. The plague soon decimates the English population and the country succumbs to chaos and terror. However, the plague seems to be searching for something and even those closest to Maeb hold deadly secrets. As men and demons alike search for the devil’s stolen treasure, Maeb must work out who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past before she loses everything and everyone she cares for.
Overall, I found ‘The Devils Diadem’ to be a thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal, that successfully combined believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of fantasy and horror. The characters are likeable and human, they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found it easy to care about them.
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of Maeb. However, at certain points we experience the viewpoints of different characters, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions.
The horror elements are especially well done and the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing, complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion. I consider myself difficult to scare, yet found myself quite disquieted.
Another element I particularly enjoyed was the mythology of the falloways and the Old People. At many times I found myself wishing that I, to, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
The only problem I had with the book was an editing error where the name of the protagonist was incorrect on the blurb. A strange oversight, but an irrelevant one that will most likely be corrected upon reprinting.
As a stand alone novel, ‘The Devil’s Diadem’ is by necessity less complicated and intricate than some of Douglass’ other novels (I’m thinking of her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). Nevertheless, I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy.
‘The Devil’s Diadem’, by popular Australian author and historian, Sara Douglass, is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate mid-twelfth century England. The narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work as she hears rumour of a demonic plague sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. The plague soon decimates the English population and the country succumbs to chaos and terror. However, the plague seems to be searching for something and even those closest to Maeb hold deadly secrets. As men and demons alike search for the devil’s stolen treasure, Maeb must work out who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past before she loses everything and everyone she cares for.
Overall, I found ‘The Devils Diadem’ to be a thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal, that successfully combined believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of fantasy and horror. The characters are likeable and human, they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found it easy to care about them.
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of Maeb. However, at certain points we experience the viewpoints of different characters, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions.
The horror elements are especially well done and the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing, complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion. I consider myself difficult to scare, yet found myself quite disquieted.
Another element I particularly enjoyed was the mythology of the falloways and the Old People. At many times I found myself wishing that I, to, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
The only problem I had with the book was an editing error where the name of the protagonist was incorrect on the blurb. A strange oversight, but an irrelevant one that will most likely be corrected upon reprinting.
As a stand alone novel, ‘The Devil’s Diadem’ is by necessity less complicated and intricate than some of Douglass’ other novels (I’m thinking of her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). Nevertheless, I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy.
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